Council awards Ridge Street paving contract
Freeland Borough Council, at its monthly meeting Monday, awarded the Ridge Street Project contract to Hazleton Site Contractors at its bid price of $29,617.70.

The recommendation was made after review by borough engineer, RDK, David Kavitski.  It is subject to proper bond posting, etc.

Kavitski in his report also noted that a new silt fence was installed and concrete tests at the Centre Street Complex, the new home of Mike Lacey's Nocchi's Pharmacy, have been reviewed and are satisfactory.

Kavitski said surveying the project streets for the North Side Drainage Project is being completed.

Dee Street paving will be done by borough crews with equipment to be rented.  The Sikora firm, prime contractors for paving the borough this summer, is completing its work.  County Community Development funds are being used and if funds remain, the paving could extend to Burton Street. 

In other business, the council will have the snow ban parking ordinace for this winter "tweaked" and ready for advertisement and implementation.

A report was given on the burned-out property at Birkbeck and Schwabe streets, which was cleaned up.  Steps are being taken to acquire the property to put it to useful use.

Approval was given to have borough code officer Tino Nocchi sent to school and testing, following an executive session on state codes compliances.

Project should be complete next year
Freeland's North Side Stormwater Project is moving forward and completion of the project is seen next year, according to the report of the borough engineer, RDK Engineering, David J. Kavitski, PE.

The massive project, with the South Side complete, has been done in segments to alleviate flooding of borough sewage treatment plants and eliminate stormwater flooding conditions.

Kavitski explained the plan to obtain PennVEST funding (low interest loan) to complete the project.  The borough's application is expected to be reviewed and granted in early 2004.

Council noted that stormwater fees will be increased, with this projection: Residential fee increased $4.50 per month; it is now $7; commerical fee increased $4.83 per month, it is now $9; industrial fee increased $5.67 per month;, it is now $11. 

Billing will start under the new fee schedule at the end of December.  The borough's municipal authority will do the billing, as it also does the sewage and water billing.

In other business at the extended meeting of the council Tuesday, Kim Barry was re-hired as police office secretary; a background check required was ordered for naming Dan Bobby as parking meter attendant.

Jerry Brogan, an aspiring reporter and journalism student at Luzerne County Community Colege will file a report on the meeting.  He was required to report on the council meeting as part of his study assignment.

He will actually report on two meetings, as the regular monthly meeting of the council Nov. 10 was continued to this past Monday.

Fortunately, the last meeting was only a half hour long.

All articles taken from the Standard-Speaker.